Nikon D3x vs Nikon D300
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon D300. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D3x were released 2008 and Nikon D300 was released 2006. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D3x | 2008 |
Nikon D300 | 2006 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3x has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D300 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D3x | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
Nikon D300 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon D3x has a 24,5 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D300 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D3x |
24,5 MP
24385536 pixels 6048 x 4032 |
Nikon D300 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon D3x has a 100 % larger resolution than Nikon D300. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D3x has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300. Nikon D3x has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Nikon D300 has 200 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D3x | 100-6400 |
Nikon D300 | 200-6400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3x
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D3x | 5 |
Nikon D300 | 6 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Nikon D3x or Nikon D300 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 36% heavier than Nikon D300 and its 925 gr (or 2.04 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D3x | 1260 gr 2.78 lb |
Nikon D300 | 925 gr 2.04 lb |
Nikon D3x vs Nikon D300 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x and Nikon D300, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Name | Nikon D3x | Nikon D300 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Release Year | 2008 | 2006 |
Release Date | 2008-12-01 | 2007-08-23 |
MSRP | 7470 USD | 1799 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Sensor Size |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 6048 x 4032 pixels | 4288 x 2848 pixels |
Megapixels | 24,5 MP | 12,3 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED |
Image |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
ISO Range | 100 - 6400 | 200 - 6400 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW + TIFF | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 51 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 922000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7× | 0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Frames per second | 5 fps | 6 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Average |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Video recording | No | No |
Video format | N/A | N/A |
Video resolution | N/A | N/A |
Built-in Microphone | No | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No | No |
Remote Control | Yes | Yes (Optional) |
GPS |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon D300 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 4400 shots | 1000 shots |
Width | 160 mm | 147 mm |
Height | 157 mm | 114 mm |
Depth | 88 mm | 74 mm |
Weight | 1260 gram | 925 gram |